The Back Story monthly interview features ADAPTOVATE employees from around the world. Each month we ask them 10 questions (and during 2020 we added a special 11th to the mix!). Our team is the greatest asset we have, and its a privilege to share just a little bit more about who they are.
This month we feature Laura Scott – our project lead in Sydney Australia.
The Interview – 10 questions
- First up – how long have you worked with us?
1.5 years
2. Why did you join us? Were you in the industry previously, or looking for a new career direction?
I joined ADAPTOVATE after 10 years of consulting in the software industry and was looking for a new challenge. I connected with co-founder Paul McNamara after working with him in a previous role, at this stage ADAPTOVATE was 2 years old, in an exciting growth phase and in an industry I was passionate about.
3. How has your previous experience and career helped define where you are now? Would you have done things differently?
In my previous roles I’ve worked for varied software products from Workforce Management (rostering, time and attendance) to Marketing Resource Management (marketing operations). Working with many areas of these businesses from developers to marketing teams allowed me to gain a well rounded understanding of how different teams work together and interact within the wider business. I really enjoyed analysing business processes and getting to know how different companies operate and are made up which now compliments what we do today.
4. How do you balance your work life with your ‘real’ life – Do you have a good balance and how important is it to you?
I am a mum of three. One 7 year old girl and twin 3 years olds- boy and girl. So firstly I consider myself incredibly fortunate but also extremely busy. I balance work life with a lot of help from my husband and our wonderful families. It takes a village and we are fortunate to have a strong one close by. Balance is really important to me to stay grounded, be good at my job and be a good mum. My husband and I always make sure we have something to aim for personally and as a family like a mini break or a project and there is always a girls’ weekend in the mix as well!
5. With so many of our team remote working, we always like to ask how do you have your home office/desk set up? Organised or chaos? Any top tips?
Organised for sure. I like piles and post-it notes.
6.Do you play music during your Agile workshops with clients? What do you recommend on your latest playlist?
I haven’t actually played music in workshops, however when I’m working I listen to French music as it helps me concentrate.
7. How do you think technology has best helped humanity and do you have any concerns about our future?
Technology has helped us immensely, take the last year as an example, we have been able to team up on client and internal work as a global team. Technology has helped to make our world a smaller place and allow us to feel more connected. My concerns for the future are ensuring there is always a balance.
8. Strategic Foresight allows companies to detect changes early and ensure action is taken quickly. Which companies have you seen able to change and adapt quickly? (and hopefully using Agile methods to do so)
We’ve seen some pretty impressive changes in companies throughout COVID-19 with the likes of gin distilleries pivoting to produce hand sanitiser, Airlines leasing their planes to freight companies to keep the planes in the air and pilots employed and clothing manufacturers producing masks. Beyond all of the COVID-19 changes Amazon comes to mind with the way they have adapted to process automation to automate throughout the parcel and customer journey.
9. What does success mean to you personally?
Success to me is knowing that I gave it 100%
10.Finally – You’ve time travelled back to your 10- year old self – What advice would you give?
Everything happens for a reason, slow down and take the time to reflect and that reason will be found. Trust your gut.
11. Special 11th Question – How have you found 2020, and working through life and work during COVID?
Home life with 3 kids has been so hectic but so nice at the same time. I have swapped time on public transport to being able to drop the kids at school and be there to pick them up. On the flip side I really miss face to face interactions however this year I’ve been able to work with my global colleagues in Warsaw, US and Singapore on projects which may have proven too difficult in ‘normal’ circumstances. The last 9 months has brought our team closer together as a global team which is pretty cool!
